Asymptotes (Revised First Edition) by Ben Blau Asymptotes (Revised First Edition) by Ben Blau is an extensive book on card mentalism , bringing together some of underground mentalist Ben Blau's most refined ideas, routines, techniques and principles. For years, Blau has quietly influenced the mentalism community with meticulously constructed mysteries, and this volume gives you access to material that includes some of his most closely guarded secrets. This impressive 355-page hardbound edition with dust jacket is illustrated with 140 clear photographs that support the detailed explanations throughout the book. The focus is particularly strong on mentalism with playing cards, combining established principles with Blau's own ideas, psychological subtleties and carefully considered methods. The book contains 18 complete mentalism routines.

The effect and experience

Many of the effects explore fresh approaches to using playing cards in mentalism, demonstrating just how powerful cards can become when presented as genuine mental mysteries rather than conventional card tricks . The material ranges from the playful Sending It Down and the intimate Ishin-Denshin to the astonishing Con-Centration . What makes Ben Blau's work particularly interesting is that the value goes far beyond the methods themselves. His material demonstrates how principles, subtleties, psychology and occasional sleights can be intelligently layered to create effects that are extremely difficult to unravel. This makes Asymptotes particularly valuable for serious mentalists and card performers looking for material that goes beyond another collection of tricks.

Performance possibilities

The book also explores ideas about performance and the construction of strong mental effects. These concepts can not only enhance the routines taught in the book but may also inspire you to reconsider existing material in your repertoire and the way you present mentalism with playing cards to an audience. Asymptotes has received strong recommendations from respected names in magic and mentalism, including Bruce Bernstein, Mark Elsdon, Sean Waters, Marc Salem, Dan Fishman, Steve Yachanin and Max Maven. Bruce Bernstein highlights the impossible card discoveries and valuable ideas for performers of card mentalism, while Mark Elsdon describes Blau's work as sophisticated, meticulously considered and deeply deceptive. Marc Salem recommends the book to serious performers of mentalism, while Steve Yachanin highlights the collection of 18 routines and Blau's creative applications of card methods and principles.

Details and use

For anyone serious about mentalism, card mentalism or sophisticated card mysteries , Asymptotes is far more than an ordinary magic book. It is a substantial collection of carefully developed material from a specialist who has spent years exploring how playing cards can be transformed into powerful and convincing mental mysteries. 355 hardbound pages with dust jacket, 140 photographs and 18 complete mentalism routines.